Fall of Constantinople: Cannon vs Walls (1453)
by Anonymous
Sultan Mehmed II deployed the massive Orban cannon against Constantinople's legendary Theodosian Walls, which had stood for 1,000 years. The decision to use gunpowder artillery against medieval fortifications marked the end of an era.
Massive Cannon Bombardment
1453
year
Orban's 27-foot bronze cannon
technology
Theodosian Walls (stood since 413 CE)
target
Chosen — walls breached, Constantinople fell after 53-day siege
outcome
Traditional Siege (Starvation)
1453
year
Blockade and scaling ladders
technology
Wait for supplies to run out
target
Not relied upon — city could be resupplied by sea
outcome
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